"Sometimes I like to think that if things had happened differently between Xena and myself in all sorts of ways, it would have created a different life for us. If we had made different choices, been slightly different people. So sometimes I play over scenes from our journeys and change them in ways I think would later improve our life, spare us at least a modicum of pain. It's not always who you kill and don’t kill; it’s sometimes who you kiss that changes your fate."

When Xena does come for Gabrielle, readers are treated to a loving, heartfelt reunion between soulmates, and the opening of a new chapter for the Bard and her Warrior. Realistic dialogue, well-written, descriptive text and the author’s fluid writing style make this short story a pleasure to read.

Much like the show at its best, this superbly crafted tale combines wacky comedy, drama, and poignant lyricism while dealing with serious issues of right and wrong, heroism and redemption, love and sacrifice. It also tackles questions that have bothered many fans about the ethics of the heroines' actions -- from their transgressions against each other to their use of violence for good causes to their willingness to choose those they love over the Greater Good. The ultimate love-conquers-all message could have been corny if it weren't handled with such cheeky irreverence and such recognition of moral complexities. In Gabrielle's words, "I think our story got too big to have a moral."

"The Moral of the Story" has smart, crackling dialogue and spot-on characterization. Xena has her dry humor and her warmth, her stoicism and the sharp temper simmering underneath, and her perpetual readiness to take the burdens of the world upon her shoulders ("There's little in the world I don't feel responsible for at this point, from who rules the Amazons to the fact that Ares is a god"). Gabrielle, with much of her naivete worn off, still retains her basic faith in human goodness. The secondary characters are excellently drawn as well. This reader gives the story extra points for featuring a deliciously unredeemed, pouting, self-pitying pre-Season 5 Callisto -- *and* a post-Season 5 Ares who, as he says, has "learned more than [he'd] like to admit about love."

So how does this unusual courtroom comedy/drama turn out? The conclusion is as unexpected and imaginative as the premise itself.

With a startling economy of words, Darshann beautifully portrays the affection, trust, and vulnerability that drew fans to the characters in the first place. It's skillfully written stories like this one that keep fan fiction alive and well and readers continually impressed.